Sinkhole repair cost case – Fraser, Michigan
The sinkhole lawyers at Corless Barfield Trial Group work diligently to help their clients navigate the often complex and overwhelming information they receive during the sinkhole claim process, which includes costly and intricate repair work. The sinkhole repair cost can be a complicated issue.
Take, for example, a giant sinkhole in Fraser, Michigan that has caused a plethora of legal and insurance headaches for the town. The massive sinkhole that opened up nine months ago is in the last phase of repairs but lingering questions remain about a lawsuit filed by the city of Sterling Heights. The sinkhole was discovered Christmas Eve, displacing dozens of residents for weeks and causing three homes to be condemned. The collapse also forced more than 500,000 residents and businesses in the county to conserve water for weeks. Neighbors of the sinkhole had to tolerate noise, smell, and dirt for months. Work on the sewer collapse has been ongoing since late 2016, which is when the collapse created a sinkhole beneath the neighborhood.
In May 2017, the city of Sterling Heights filed a lawsuit claiming its residents should not have to chip in for the repairs. The interceptor, which collapsed on Dec. 24, 2016, is owned and maintained by the Macomb Interceptor Draining District. A Macomb County judge recently held that the city cannot sue the county, and now Sterling Heights is looking into suits against the district or the insurance companies.
How much does sinkhole repair cost?
Insurance companies throughout the United States seek to limit their exposure and therefore recommend the least costly sinkhole repairs in an effort to save money – which frequently proves to be insufficient to remedy the situation. While there are void filling techniques that can be used, one size does not fit all: The method that would be used to repair a sinkhole will be based on where you live and the size of the sinkhole. Moreover, not all foundation repair companies are created equal.
For example, a small sinkhole which minimal damage to any surrounding structure can come to a sinkhole repair cost of $10,000 to $15,000; a larger sinkhole can reach the $100,000 mark or more, depending on the sinkhole and the damage it causes. In Michigan, where the sinkhole has condemned multiple homes and displaced residents for weeks, the sinkhole repair cost and reach catastrophic numbers.
Realistically, you’ll need a professional to observe your sinkhole in order to get an estimate – your insurance company should send one out to you so they can prepare an estimate of how much of the sinkhole repair cost your policy will cover for you.
Corless Barfield Trial Group attorneys understand how to protect our clients’ rights and repair sinkholes. We have dealt with insurance companies that failed to provide an adequate and appropriate amount of money for these claims and repairs. If you’ve lost property or experienced inconveniences due to a sinkhole, call 877-517-5595 today for a free consultation.
